Evening Star Newspaper, September 13, 1931, Page 79

County, Md., on October 4, 1810, and had by her seven children, as follows: Jonathan Thomas (born August 4, 1811), Nathan (born December 8, 1812), Catherine (born April 30, 1814), Jane (born July 20, 1815), Samuel Ham- fiton (born February 24, 1817), Charles E. (born December 15, ia18), and Mary (born November 28, 1820). Nathan Walker, of this issue, so the record states: “Was much marked for his great mem- ory and intelligent judgment, it being no trouble for him to learn anything he had once heard. His brother tells a characteristic anecdote: That they were attending the country church, when Nathan b2came very restive while watch- ing the birds flitting f.om rafter to rafter, seemingly not listening to the parson’s discourse, and his father reproved him for disturbing the enjoyment of him, an old man. When they reached home Nathan was called up to receive a whipping for his inattention at service, which he took patiently. He told his father ‘that he knew the text and could repeat the sermon,” which was discredited, but he took a chafir, took the text and 1epeated to their consternation the entire sermon, not forgetting to flll in the ges- tures at the proper places, only with more emphasis than did the parson. His father ex- pressed his regret at whipping the boy when he knew more than his parenis did of text and sermon, but the boy responded, ‘Father, I can tell you now how many 1afiers there are in the old church and how many birds too." The father never whipped him again.” He emigrated to Florida and assisted in de- veloping that State in its earliest efforts, and died in Iola, in November, 1839. He left a daughter named Florida, who married and moved to Texas. At the time of his death the citizens of the town of Iola passed resolutions of respect and esteem. ONATHAN THOMAS WALKER, eldest son of Nathan by the second marriage, and father of Maj. Samuel! H. Walker, was born at the Maryland homestead, “Toaping Castle,”™ August 4, 1811, and in 1829 came to Washington, where he met and married Jane Amelia Benscn on October 13, 1833. He and his wife were both devout Methodists, and he, especially, was in- strumental in organizing McKendree M. E. Church of this city. Of this Maj. Walker says: “Near the close of May, 1844, the Rev. French 8. Evans, having been duly authorized by the presiding elder, Rev. Thomas B. Sargent of the Potomac district, inaugurated a home mission for such localities in the city as were destitute of church facilities. His program opened by an appointment for preaching at 3:30 pm. at the ‘Northern Liberties’ Fire Company’s Hall, a two- story brick building which stood in the center of Eighth street in the space now improved and known as ‘Mount Vernon Park’ For some reason this hall was not available, and the assemblage by invitation of Jonathan T. Walker moved northward beyond the park on Eighth street, where from the carpenter’s bench Mr. Evans delivered his message with decided effect. At the conclusion of the service Jonathan T. Walker obligated himself to build a suitable frame building for Sunday school and mission purposes, and for the present needs he tendered the use of his carpenter shop, situated at the rear of his dwelling, which cornered at Eighth and K strects northwest. The offer was grate- fully accepted, and every Saturday afternoon the shop was swept and seats provided of rough inch boards on empty boxes. The Sunday school was organized June 7, 1844, by the election of John C. Harkness as superintendent. Foundry and Wesley Chapel furnished the teachers. From the school thus _weakly started Jonathan T. Walker, John C. Harkness and Zephaniah Jones, without further formality, agreed, without pomp or public notice, to build a church, and with a courage amounting almost to temerity they determined, and McKendree M. E. Church, on Massachusetts avenue between Ninth and Tenth st:eets north- west, is the outcome.” After the close of the Mexican War he tried his fortunes in California, but did not succeed, and returned to Washington, engaged in the lumber business in the block between B street and what used to be called Little B street, Tenth and Twelfth streets, the site now occupied by the Bureau of Interral Revenue. The little office faced north and stood on the southwest corner and Tenth and Little B streets, which formed the north thoroughfare of the old haymarket block, the passing of which is recent history. During the days when the District had its own mayor and City Council Jonathan T. Walker served as a member of the Common Council dur- ing the years 1854, 1855 and 1856. At the beginning of the Civil War he took up his residence at “Toaping Castle,” and later bought the farm known as “Pleasant Prospect,” Prince Geoiges County, Md., and retired from business, and it was at his county seat that he later celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding, of which The Star of November 13, 1883 said, in part: “There was a notable gathering today at Pleasant Prospect, Prince Georges County, Md., the handsome country place of Mr. Jonathan T. Walker, who for many year's was one of thc leading citizens of the District. The occasion was the celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Walker, and it brought together several hundred of the relatives and friends of the venerable couple, who are both still hale and healthy. 3 “Gov. Bowie was present and over one hun- dred families in Prince Georges County were represented. Among those from Washington were Mr. Zeph Jones, the Cohens, Bealls, Scotts, 8Bpeddens, Yosts, Jacksons and Seufferles; Thomas J. Turner and Dr. Spangler of Balti- more. There were present, including the hus- bands and wives of their children, over 50 chil- dren and grandchildren, and from them the venerable couple received a gift of a handsome service of silver. There were also gold and silver presents from other relatives and friends. Probably the gift most highly prized was a cane made from the old log house—Toaping Castle—- erected by Mr. Walker's grandfather and his brothers at the head of Bear Garden Branch shortly after they arrived here. Misses Martha THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, SEPTEMBER 13, 1931, William G. Moore, successor to Maj. Walker as chief of police in 1886, before his tent at Atlantic City when colonel of the Washington Light Infantry. and Serah Seaver, who were Mrs. Walker's bridesmaids, were among those present.” ANE AMELIA BENSON, who married Jona- than T. Walker Octobar 13, 1833, was born in Annapolis, Md., June 3, 1813, and was the daughter of Cephas W. Benson and Annie (Harvey) Benson. Her father, we are told, was at one time principal of the Academy at An- napolis, and was married twice. By his first wife—Annie (Harvey) Benson — he had seven children: Renaldo, Jane Amelia, Lucinda, who married a Mr. Scott, and had John B.; Martha married George Dunn; Eliza- beth married Mr. Yost, and had John and Mary; Ma:garet married Richard Mockbee, their grandson being Harry E. Mockbee: Annie mar- ried James Boss. By the second wife he had a daughter Harriet, who married Rev. Mr. Wind- sor of Baltimore, Md. The children of Jonathan T. Walker and Jane Amelia (Benson) Walker we:e: James T, Elizabeth J., Martha Ellen, Charles Henry, Wil- liam, John Newland, Samuel Hamilton (Maj. Walker), George Newton, Oscar Reese, Francis Davis, Alice Amelia and Edward Spedden. Of these Martha Ellen, William, Oscar Reese and Francis Davis died young; James T. mar- ried Marian Gittings, whose father, Benjamin E. Gittings, kept a dry goods store on Market Space a long while ago. His son, Thomas B. Walker, now retired, told the writer that he was in business at Tenth and B streets north- west for 35 years up to 1907, part of the time with his father and later alone. For a while his people lived at 481 Missouri avenue, when intendent of police, married February 22, 1872, Sally L. Brady, the service being performed at Benning, D. C. Maj. and Mrs. Walker, in 1922, celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, and today—though nearing her seventy-eighth year-—she is a remarkably well preserved woman. The major and his wife have a number of children, including Mrs. Lucretia W. Hardy of the public schools, Rosalie W., Arthur B. and Robert H., associated with their father in busi- ness; Mrs. Florence Walther; Mrs. Janet Smith, whose husband is an official'of the Ca:negie Institution of Washington, and Mrs. Caryl H Winter of Washington Grove, Md. There are also 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. When Maj. Walker was appointed at the head of the Police Department he was just 42 years old and a prosperous business man of Wash- ington. Grover Cleveland had been in office two years, and a majority of the Board of Com- missioners were Democrats, as was Mr. Walker. William B. Webb was president of the board, the other members being Samuel E. Wheatley and Col. William Ludlow. Under Mr. Wheatley came the Police Department, then in charge of Maj. William McE. Dye. Because of dissatisfaction, Maj. Dye's resigna- tion was called for. But the major did not fecl that he could be, substantially, summarily dis- missed in this way, and in concluding his 1eply to the Commissioner said: 11| MAY, in passing, say that police authori- ties are continuously assailed by the bad elements of society. Where thev are not so Old Police Headquarters, still standing at Fifth and D streets northwest, vacated July 1, 1893. that neighborhood—as he agrees—was a very fine one, and he remembers when Magruder & Stone kept a wood and coal yard at the corner of Sixth and B streets northwest, also when he saw his first circus performance, on the block now occupied by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He is married, has children, and is a prominent Mason, and for years was a member of the Washington Light Infantry and other local organizations. James T. Walker has other descendants living. Elizabeth Jane Walker married Wharton Lester; Charles Henry Walker, Mary Creaser; John Newland Walker, M. Louise Duvall; George Newton Walker, Elenia P. Brannan; Alice Amelia Walker, Grafton C. D. Townsend, and Edward Spedden Walker married Saphronia Duckett. Samuel H. Walker, son of Jonathan T. and Jane A. Walker, and a former major and super- assailed look for corruption. It seems, then, that it would be unjust, to my own reputation, to the good name of the department I represent, and to our anxious friends, were I at this time volun- tarily to surrender the office I have the honor to hold. There are other considerations affect- ing my ultimate action which it is useless to go into.” However the Commissioners had determined upon a change, and aiter waiting some time for the°major's resignation determined to declare the office vacant at 12 o'clock, July 1, 1886, and at that hour Maj. Dye took off his little gold police badge and lald it on his desk, and issued his last order,"as follows: “Headquarters, Metropolitan Police, D. C., “Washington, July 1, 1886. “General Orders, No. 191. In taking leave of the members of the Police Department, with which I have been identified the past few years, 7 I thank you one and all for your hearty co- operation with me in promoting its discipline and efficiency. These can only be maintained in the degree to which they have been raised by your giving to the incoming chief the same cordial support you have always given me. “Your honor and interest, and that of the department, demands this of you. “WM. McE. DYE, “Major and Supt. Met. Police, D. C.” Apparently the Commissioners had selected in advance the new chief, for on the same date of Maj. Dye's retirement The Star printed the following news item: “This afternoon the Commissioners announced the appointment of Samuel H. Walker as major and superintendent of police to succeed Maj. Dye. Mr. Walker called at once at the Com- missioners’ office and qualified by subscribing to the oath. He then had a long conference with Commissioner Wheatley. “When asked when the new superintendent would be installed Commissioner Wheatley said to a Star reporter: ‘I think he will be installed in a few hours.’ The New Superintendent. “Maj. Walker, who is 42 years old, is a native of the District and son of the late Jonathan T. Waliker, a successful lumber merchant here for many years. He was born at the corner of Eighth and K streets northwest. He attended the Columbian College, but did not graduate, as his studies were interrupted by ill health. He subsequently studied law, but never practiced. . He has been engaged for years in the real estate business, and owns considerable property on Capitol Hill, where he has a residence, cor- ner of Fifth and B northeast. He is an active member of Waugh M. E. Church. He has neve: held office, except that of constable and notary public. He was a member of the library sit: jury, which completed its labors yesterday. He is about 5 feet 8 inches in height, thick set, and has a pleasant face, wearing a mustache and brown beatd on his chin. Mr. Walker after receiving his commission today and conferring with District Commissioner Wheatley went with Mr. Padgett, the attorney for the District, to police headquarters. On the way up Dr. Sunderland congratulated him, and laughingly remarked ‘We’'ll make it hot for you.’ “When he walked into the major’s office an audience of newspaper reporters was already assembled. Mr. Padgett introduced the new superintendent to the retiring superintendent, and the two gentiemen conferred for some time. Maj. Dye, remarking with a smile, “This is tha only property I am personally Tesponsible for, took up his gold badge and handed it to Maj. Walker, who pinned it upon his breast. Then he explained various papers to him and turned him over to Capt. Vernon, who showed him through the building, introducing the various officers, and thus Maj. Walker enteted upon his duties.” " EAVY hangs the head that wears th- crown” is an old saying, and it was no: long before Maj. Walker realized its truth. Accustomed to a tranquil life, he had given up peace and comfort of mind to serve the public. He found much dissatisfaction in the depart- ment and at once began putting things in order, but he soon found this to be a gigantic under- taking. An effort was made to clean up certain vices south of the Avenue in Lieut. Arnold’s precinct. Arrests were made and some prominent men caught in the net. Some one made the state- ment that these arrests were ordered by the chief for the purpose of influencing legislation in Congress, which he emphatically denied. Th~ result, however, was an investigation and trial of a number of ofice:s and much publicity. After the maiter had dragged along for some time the findings of the Commissioners were an - nounced November 26, 1886. in which Lieut Arnold and Pvt. Edelin were dismissed; Sergt. Diggins was reduced to the ranks for threz months and Lieut. Kelly suspended for three months. At the same time Maj. Walker's resig- nation, which had been tendered, was accepted, the following statement appearing in the record: “It is untrue that Maj. Walker made or con- templated making any such order or suggestion as was attributed to him by Lieut. Arnold, and there is absolutely no just basis whatever for doubt of Maj. Walker's enti:e integrity of pur- pose and sincerity of statements.” The department at that time included 20% men all told, and the salary paid to the chief was $2,600, with an allowance of $240 & year for a horse. It was not a very easy matter to get a capable and acceptable person to fill the office thus left vacant. Quite a number applied for the posi- tion, among whom was Mrs. Charlotte Smith, but the Commissioners were evidently looking for sterner stuff, and selected William G. Moore, colonel of the Washington Light Infantry, and an unusually popular man. Of him The Star sald at the time: “Col. William G. Moore, the newly appointed major and superintendent, is a native of this city and about 52 years old. He learned the printer's trade when a boy in the office of the old National Intelligencer. Subsequently he was sent as a reporter of the National Intelligencer to the House of Representatives. Just prior to the war he was employed under Gen. Meigs, who was then in charge of public works here. A: the outbreak of the war he enlisted with the old National Rifies in the Federal service, and upon the close of the term of enlistment was ordered to duty in the War Department. He was after- ward made assistant adjutant general with gthe rank of major, and after Mr. Johnson became President was detailed to the White House as one of the President’s secretaries. He was then appointed to a place in the pay corps of the Army and did duty in this capacity out West until 1870, when he 1esigned and entered busi- ness here with ex-Gov. Shepherd. Later he entered the service of the National Metropolitan Bank, and has been with that institution ever since.” Maj. Walker may have had the shortest term of any of the chiefs of police since he served. but he certainly has the satisfaction of knowing that he has lived more years than his suc- cessors who have served longer, and, who knows, maybe that’s the reasoa.